Why Hollywood Studios deem London TV screenings essential

Timing plays a crucial role in TV sales, and Hollywood studios now prefer the timing of London in February.

For Hollywood studios' distribution branches, London comes before the LA Screenings, their annual showcase scheduled right after networks complete their line-ups, when it's traditionally known what content will enter the global market.

In May, this arrangement meant the now-defunct MIPTV market in April wasn't ideal for studios, leading to their general absence. 

However, the commissioning cycle has evolved to be ongoing, and Studios’ distribution leaders emphasise that a trip across the Atlantic to the London TV Screenings (LTVS) in February is now indispensable.

“It's remarkable how swiftly the market has developed,” states Michael Bonner, President of NBCUniversal Global TV Distribution. 

“Our production collaborators provide content all year, which means our sales extend throughout the year too. LTVS has become a significant early point in our sales calendar.”

“The London TV Screenings have become a strategic time in our calendar because of its position,” adds Prentiss Fraser, President of Fox Entertainment Global. 

“It allows us to connect with buyers early in the year, setting the tone for upcoming months, and creates a decisive call to action in February.”

This newer event, drawing a crucial number of acquisition executives, is evidently attractive to US TV distributors. 

Especially in a scenario where buyers’ budgets are tight and securing sales deals is challenging— in a period where studios can't routinely secure straightforward ‘set-it-and-forget-it’ output and volume arrangements.

Regarding who attends from the client side, Fraser mentions: “London is a global center. You typically see a vibrant mix of UK, European, Australian, and U.S. buyers, along with growing numbers from even further away. This concentration makes for highly efficient use of time.”

NBCU’s Bonner notes the core buyer mix focuses on the UK and Europe, but has broadened: “Lately, we've seen increasing participation from clients in the US, Canada, Australia, and across Asia, which demonstrates how global the market has rapidly become.”

In London, NBCU will promote Jennifer Garner-led The Five-Star Weekend, Prisoner, and Ted: The Animated Series (WT). 

Although no talent will travel to the city, there will be a special pre-recorded segment featuring Amy Poehler and Hugh Laurie introducing their Peacock comedy Dig.